A report on climate change has warned that even if global warm | Mains

A report on climate change has warned that even if global warming is held at 1.5 degree Celsius, we will still lose one-third of the glaciers in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region. This region is the home to the sources of important rivers that sustain close to 2billion people in the region.

Impact of melting glaciers on water resources: A) Short term impact:

i). Floods: The melting of glaciers in the short term will lead to increased river flows causing floods.

ii). Glacial Lake outburst: As glaciers retreat, lakes are commonly formed behind the newly exposed terminal moraine. The rapid accumulation of water in these lakes can lead to a sudden breach of the moraine dams causing glacial lake outburst.

B) Long Term impact:

i). Decrease in river flows: The glacials regulate the flow of rivers during the non monsoon months. With the glaciers receding, the flow of rivers will decrease, harming the marine ecosystem.

ii). Decrease in water availability for irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes: This will lead to food shortage, sanitation and health issues and decrease in industrial production.

iii). Contamination of river water: Continuous flow of water in the river dilutes the contaminants and checks water pollution. But decreased water flow due to glacial melt in the long term will lead to increased concentration of contaminants and serve water pollution in the indo-gangetic plains.

iv). Increased extraction of groundwater: Decreased flow of water in the river will prompt the people to extract groundwater for drinking,irrigation and other purposes.

The technology if used wisely can help decrease the negative impact of the melting glaciers. The focus should be on the conservation of resources emphasising on the judicious use of water, reducing wastage and recycling.